Kaler to lead University of Minnesota delegation on China visit

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler will travel to China and Taiwan later this month in the first international trip of his two-year presidency.

He will meet with U alumni, government officials, business leaders and potential donors in an 11-day trip timed to coincide roughly with the 100-year anniversary of the university's first Chinese student graduations. He will sign academic partnerships with Chinese higher education institutions, give lectures and pitch some collaborations with local businesses.

Kaler's wife, Karen, and five administrators will travel with him throughout the trip. Two deans and seven faculty members will join the delegation in some of the five cities on the itinerary.

The U estimated the total cost of the visit for the Kalers and the five administrators at $125,000. Part of the cost will be covered by private funds provided through the University of Minnesota Foundation. The bulk will come from income earned by the U's international programs office, such as fees from a training program for Chinese executives.

The U now has 2,480 students and about 8,000 alumni from China. Kaler's predecessor, Robert Bruininks, visited China in 2004.